The midfiedler has been central to Shaktar's impressive Champions League campaign in which they finished second in their group, ultimately ending Chelsea's own campaign.

Intriguingly, the 27-year-old Brazil international says he is leaving Shakhtar and moving to Manchester in January, but he has not said which club he will be joining.

"I am closing a deal with an English club. I will play in Manchester in January," he told Calciomercato.

The two Manchester sides look set to dominate English football for some time now, and a move to the Premier League will suit the no-nonsense all action midfielder.

Manchester United recently beat their rivals in the first Manchester derby this season – and will look to beat their rivals of the defensive midfielder, after being linked with plenty of defensive midfielders to sort out their midfield conundrum.

In his six matches for Shakhtar Donetsk, Fernandinho, 27, has already tallied 3.3 tackles and 3.5 interceptions while picking up just two fouls per contest.

His aggressive defensive attitude would be a nice addition to Man United – who have shipped 23 league goals this season.

No doubt Manchester City will be able to offer Fernandinho a more lucrative deal - but with Ferguson and United looking more and more dangerous as the weeks go by - the title looks it could be staying in the red side of Manchester come May.